Post Time: 2026-03-11

Country: United States, Australia, United Kingdom. City: Albuquerque, Augusta, Grand Rapids, Gresham, HoustonIn this episode of DealerPod we sit down with Tom Lyons from Castle Prestige to uncover the truth about Japanese import car sales and why his entire dealership is built around them. Tom explains how he went from selling cheap UK hatchbacks to importing some of the cleanest used cars in the country and building a thriving business with a loyal customer base. We talk about the real condition differences between UK cars and Japanese imports, what actually happens inside Japanese auctions, why imports look almost brand new underneath and how Tom prepares every vehicle to More Tips a repeatable blueprint that customers trust. Tom also shares the challenges that come with importing, including cashflow, buying in bulk, boats, delivery times, prep work and the huge risks dealers never think about. We also get into AutoTrader, SEO, websites, Google ads and why creating a niche might be the most important move a dealer can make in 2025. If you sell cars, want to import cars, or want to understand the real business model behind Japanese imports this is the episode you need to watch. Topics in this episode include: • Why Tom built his dealership on Japanese imports • UK rust vs Japanese freshness • Inside Japanese car auctions • How import prep and the blueprint system works • Cashflow challenges with boats and bulk buying • How Castle Prestige markets their imports • AutoTrader packages and the dealer movement online • SEO and why their website now outperforms AT • Who actually buys Japanese imports in the UK • Lessons Tom learned the hard way while scaling If you enjoy this episode make sure you like the video, subscribe and drop a comment below. It really helps DealerPod grow in the UK motor trade community. 00:00 Introduction to DealerPod 01:28 This Week in the Motor Trade 03:32 Reflections on Industry Awards 06:46 Upcoming Events and Networking 15:30 Introducing Tom Lyons and Castle Prestige 21:18 Navigating the Shift to Import Vehicles 23:22 Building a Unique Brand Identity 25:48 The Importance of Website and Online Presence 27:17 Understanding the Import Process 29:23 Challenges in Vehicle Importation 32:05 Experiencing the Japanese Car Market 36:03 Insights from Japanese Auctions 39:15 Pricing Strategies for Imported Vehicles 44:05 Customer Profiles and Market Demand 49:14 Building Customer Loyalty and Repeat Business 50:15 Leveraging Social Media for Brand Growth 51:15 The Importance of Online Presence and Video Content 52:11 Navigating Advertising Challenges with click this link now AutoTrader 53:09 Shifting Marketing Strategies and SEO Investments 55:10 Understanding Margins and Profitability in Car Sales 57:11 Funding and Financial Management in the Car Business 59:24 web link Adapting to Market Changes and Consumer Behaviour 01:01:03 The Impact of COVID-19 on Business Operations 01:03:13 Critiquing Industry Standards and Practices 01:05:04 Future of AutoTrader and Dealer Relationships ************************************** Start trading with like minded car dealers Now by registering to become a member of the Dealerway Platform Join the Dealerway facebook group now at Download the Dealerway App Now Apple App Store: Google Play Store: Get 25% off your first 3 months of Autograb by clicking this link below